first class honours to phd

First-Class Honours Degree: What Does it (Actually) Mean?

In University by Think Student Editor June 11, 2021 Leave a Comment

First-Class honours degrees are widely regarded as a respectable, impressive, and advantageous achievement to acquire. However, what is a 1st class honours degree? How can you acquire one? What does it really mean? All of these questions are answered in the paragraphs below!

A First-C lass Honours Degree is awarded to a student who has accumulated an average percentage grade of 70% or above during their years at university.  A 1 st class honours degree takes 3 years to complete as a full-time student, and 6 years to complete as a part-time student. Getting a First-Class Honours Degree effectively means a student has achieved the highest grade possible for their university course.

This article will answer all your questions surrounding the topic of a 1st class honours degree. Let’s begin!

Table of Contents

What is an Honours Degree?

Prior to attending university in the UK, you are obligated to select which degree you will study during your time there. There are multiple different classes of degree available, however this article is going to focus mainly on a normal degree and an honours degree (plus the various types shortly!).

An honours degree has an amplified difficultly level – the coursework is more demanding than a normal degree.  It is worth 360 credits as an oppose to the 300 credits that come with a normal degree  (each credit is worth an estimated 10 hours of learning, meaning that an honours degree comes with an extra 600 hours of education!).

At the end of your honours course,  you will be assigned a special project or dissertation, which is excluded from the normal degree,  which further adds to the challenge of the honours degree!

Honour’s degrees are not available everywhere; however, it is very rare to come across a university that does not offer this type of degree.  Honours degrees are generally perceived as customary at universities across the UK, which is why it is uncommon to see a university without them.

What Are the Different Types of Honours Degree?

There are a multitude of honours degrees one can achieve. Below is an explanation of each individual honours degree you could receive once you graduate:

Third-Class Degree

A Third-Class degree is the lowest honours degree someone can attain. To be given this degree a student will have had to accumulate a percentage between 40 and 50%.  They can also be referred to as a 3rd or ‘third’.  People with a Third-Class degree are at a disadvantage when it comes to employability, as most employers are looking for someone with a higher degree, as they are more likely to do the job better.

Second-Class Degree

A Second-Class degree can be split into two main sections: lower Second-Class honours and upper Second-Class honours. 

A lower Second-Class honours degree is achieved by students with a final percentage of between 50-60%.  They are also known as a 2:2, or ‘two-two’. This is the lower of the two Second-Class degrees. You are also at a disadvantage with this degree, although not as much of a disadvantage as people with a Third-Class degree.

An upper Second-Class honours degree can also be referred to as a 2:1, or ‘two-one’.  This is the higher of the two Second-Class degrees and is awarded to those who gained a final percentage of between 60-70%.  People with this type of degree are at more of an advantage when it comes to job interviews, as this is the type of degree many employers are looking for.

First-Class Degree

Finally, a First-Class degree. A First-Class degree, commonly known as a ‘first’ or 1st, is  the highest honours degree achievable , and is well respected by employers.  Students must get a percentage above 70% to be awarded this degree , thus it is very challenging indeed. This degree is widely respected in the working world and puts you at a great advantage in job interviews, as you are more likely to be prioritised for the role.

How Do You Achieve a First-Class Honours Degree?

To be awarded a 1 st  class honours degree, you must accumulate a percentage of 70% or above . To a student who is not in university currently, this may not seem to difficult, however when you take into accord that the average student scores between 50 and 60%, it suddenly becomes a more challenging goal to complete.

How Long Does It Take to Get a First-Class Honours Degree?

The majority of individuals go to university for years, and this applies to those aiming for a First-Class degree too. If you are aspiring to acquire a First-Class degree,  you do not need to go to university for any longer than any other bachelor or honours student .

Since you don’t apply for a First-Class honours degree (it depends on your grades whether you are given one) it means you have to be at university for the same amount of time.

If studying full-time (estimated at around 32-36 hours per week studying and learning),  gaining a bachelors or honours degree will take you 3 years, click  here  to find out more.  If studying part-time (an estimated 16-18 hours of studying and learning per week)  it will take you a total of 6 years to complete- this is double the amount of time. Check  this  article to find out more.

How Common is a First-Class-Honours Degree?

Receiving a First-C lass honours degree is a relatively rare thing to achieve . In 2018 and 2019, only 18% of students received a First-Class honours degree. This is a number that has been gradually increasing since 2015. See this  link for more details. 20% of females received a First-Class honours degree, whereas only 16% of males did in 2018/19.

The leading university is  Royal Academy of Music ,  as 70.6% of their students qualified for a First-C lass honour’s degree .

Second is  Imperial College London , with 44.7% of their students receiving First-Class honours.

They are followed by:  University of Surrey  (44.4%),  Royal College of Music  (42.1%),  University College London  (39.5%) and  Conservatoire for Dance and Drama  (38.3%). The statistics mentioned are cited from  this website .

Law is the hardest subject to receive 1 st  class honours in , as this degree is already notorious for its extremely difficult coursework and heavy workload. Only 6% of graduates graduate with a 1st class degree. Subjects following Law are Mass Communications and Documentation (9.6% achieved 1st class honours), Business and Administrative Studies (10.3%) and Education (10.6%).

Mathematics is the easiest degree to get First-Class honours in statistically, as 30% of students achieved this. Mathematics is followed by Engineering and Technology (21.6% achieved First-Class honours), Physical Sciences (20.3%) and Computer Science (18.4%).

What Are the Advantages of a First-Class Honours Degree?

Achieving a First-Class honours degree requires ample hard-work, time, and effort, but is all this exertion worth it in the long run? What are the advantages of this type of degree?

The most prominent advantage of a First-Class degree is employability . Attaining one gives you a higher chance of success at job interviews. Employers are searching for the best workers to fulfil the available role, and someone with First-Class honours is definite to outshine someone with a lower qualification, such as a 2nd or Third-Class degree.

If you are looking to enter into a highly competitive work industry, such as Hospitability or Law, gaining First-Class honours does put you at a higher advantage and develop a higher likelihood of acceptance.  A First-Class honours degree puts you one step ahead of the game and means you have more priority for a role in the workplace.

What Are the Disadvantages of First-Class Honours Degree?

The main disadvantage of a First-Class honours degree is that although you are most likely to be given higher priority when it comes to being employed, it is not always a certainty the company will employ you.

Various people with a First-Class honours degree have struggled to find a job despite their achievements- it just depends on the circumstances at the time.  The employer may not feel you are well-suited for the role, or maybe they are looking for someone similar, but just not quite you. These are issues you cannot control but unfortunately will most likely come across in your life, regardless of whether you have obtained a First-Class honours degree or not.

Can You Fail Your Honours Degree?

The short answer is, unfortunately yes .  If you did not attain the minimum percentage needed (40%) you will most likely be awarded a degree without honours . Although this will not be perceived as a failure by employers, it can be disappointing for those who aspired to graduate with honours.

You can also fail completely and not achieve a degree at all, if your percentage was too low to be considered for a normal degree. If you want to find out more about your options if you fail your degree then check out this student article here .

Can You Do a Master’s Degree Without First-Class Honours?

A master’s degree is the next step up from a bachelor’s degree and is the succeeding stage for those who have finished their undergraduate course and would like to further continue their higher education.

Are you eligible for a master’s degree if you didn’t get First-Class honours?  The short answer is yes!  Anyone with a degree is eligible for a master’s.

However,  if you do not have an honours degree, you may still be eligible for a master’s degree, although you may have to have attained a higher percentage than those who graduated with honours .

On rare occasions, you may be accepted to do a master’s degree without attaining a bachelor’s previously, however this circumstance is extremely uncommon .

Can You Still Get a First-Class Honours Degree If You Drop Out?

Unfortunately, no.  Achieving a First-C lass honours degree, or any honours degree at that, means staying at university for the entirety of the course. 

If you drop out after your first year of study as a full-time student, you will be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education, and 120 credits . If you drop out after your first year as a part-time student however, you will not be awarded anything as you haven’t accumulated enough hours of study and credits to be awarded this certificate.

If you drop out after your second year as a full-time student, you will be awarded the Diploma of Higher Education and 240 credits . If you drop out after your second year as a part-time student you will be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education, which is explained above.

By your third year as a full-time student, you will have finished the course and been awarded your bachelors/honours degree . As a part-time student, you will have to complete 4 years of university to be awarded the diploma of higher education, and then a further 2 years to amount to 6 years when you will be awarded your final degree.

Dropping out in the middle of the school year before the school year has ended means you will not qualify for the certificate you would have been awarded at the end of that year.  For example, if you were a full-time student who dropped out in December of their second year, you would be awarded the Certificate of Higher Education instead of the Diploma as you haven’t accumulated enough credits.

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What is the fastest pathway to complete a phd after an undergraduate degree.

The quickest pathway to a PhD after completing a bachelors degree is to complete an honours degree with first class or class 2A honours. We know this isn't always a viable path for prospective candidates, so the University provides other pathways and opportunities to demonstrate eligibility for a PhD program.

Please see PhDs and research degrees for more details on pathway programs.

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Published answers.

• Is there a time limit between completing my honours degree and beginning a PhD?
• How long do I have to complete my higher degree by research program?
• What higher degree by research (HDR) programs are available, other than a PhD?
• What are the differences between an honours degree and a PhD?
• What types of Honours degrees are available?

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Read on for detailed information about award level calculation for various programs at RMIT.  

Award levels by program

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Are awarded based on your cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) .

Please note

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Are awarded based on your  Weighted Average Mark (WAM) .

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Are awarded based on the mark achieved in your research project.

These award levels apply to students who commenced their enrolment in a masters by research program from 1 January 2016 onwards. For students who commenced their enrolment before 1 January 2016, the degree is awarded unclassified (pass only).

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Are awarded unclassified (pass only). For example, ‘Doctor of Philosophy’.

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• Guide to PhD Entry Requirements
• Applying to a PhD

Although undertaking a PhD can be an exciting challenge, understanding the numerous entry requirements is an important first step. These prerequisites ensure that prospective PhD students like yourself are well-prepared for the academic challenges that await. The entry requirements for STEM disciplines can differ significantly, depending on the specific program, institution, and country of study; this guide explains these requirements.

Key Takeaways

• Diverse Entry Requirements : PhD entry requirements can vary significantly based on the specific STEM programme, and the country or institution in question.
• Academic Qualifications : While a Bachelor’s degree with upper second class honours is a standard requirement, many institutions also place considerable emphasis on a Master’s degree, especially when obtained with Merit or Distinction.
• English Language Proficiency : For non-native speakers, English language qualifications like TOEFL or IELTS scores are crucial. Some institutions offer pre-sessional English programmes for students marginally missing the mark.
• Professional Experience : Non-traditional candidates can often offset their academic qualifications with significant professional experience relevant to the proposed research.
• Visa and Residency : International students must ensure they meet residency requirements, often needing a specific student visa like the Student Route visa in the UK.
• Financial Considerations : Prospective students should be aware of tuition fees and explore potential external funding options to support their PhD journey.
• Holistic Application Process : Apart from academic qualifications, the application process evaluates research proposals, references, and personal statements to gauge a candidate’s potential for research and contributions to academia.

Standard UK PhD Requirements

For doctoral candidates interested in institutions in the United Kingdom, several standard requirements must be met:

• Bachelors Degree : A minimum of an upper second class honours (2.1) is typically required. It indicates not just academic ability, but a strong foundation in the relevant field.
• Masters Degree : While some STEM fields may accept candidates solely based on their undergraduate performance, many institutions highly value a Masters degree. Notably, achieving a grade of Merit or Distinction can significantly strengthen your application, especially a first class honours degree.
• Relevance in Study : A degree in a field relevant to the chosen PhD program is crucial. This ensures that the student has the foundational knowledge vital for doctoral-level research.

International Degree Equivalents

While the UK has specific grading systems and qualification standards, international students with degrees from overseas institutions shouldn’t feel discouraged. Many UK universities and academic departments accept international qualifications that are deemed equivalent:

• Degree Grades : Depending on the country, a degree with grades like ‘Distinction’ or ‘Honours’ might parallel the UK’s 2.1 or First Class honours.
• Evaluation Process : Institutions often utilise recognised international qualification databases or in-house experts to assess the equivalence of overseas qualifications.
• Professional Qualifications : Some candidates may not follow the traditional academic route. In such cases, substantial professional experience in a relevant discipline can potentially offset the need for conventional academic qualifications.

Vital Components for Admission

Achieving the right grades is just one part of the equation. Prospective PhD students are evaluated holistically:

• Research Proposal : This is a window into the applicant’s research aptitude. It should be robust, well-thought-out, and demonstrate a clear research area or subject area of interest.
• Interview Process : Institutions often invite promising candidates for interviews. Here, potential supervisors assess the candidate’s aptitude, enthusiasm, and suitability for PhD projects.
• References : A well-drafted reference letter or academic references from established academicians or professionals in the field can provide invaluable insights into the applicant’s capabilities.

International Students and Residency Requirements

The landscape of global academia thrives on diversity. However, international students have to navigate additional steps:

• Visa Essentials : International students in the UK, for instance, typically require a Student Route visa . The visa mandates full-time study, with confirmation of enrolment secured before the visa application.
• Financial Stability : Prospective PhD students need to demonstrate sufficient financial support, ensuring they can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs for the duration of their study.

English Language Proficiency for International Applicants

For international students whose first language isn’t English, proving English language ability is a cornerstone of the application process:

• Testing Platforms : Widely recognised tests such as TOEFL and IELTS are utilised to gauge English language qualifications. For most PhD programmes, IELTS 7.0 overall (with at least 6.5 in each section) or TOEFL scores of 95 overall (no section scoring below 21) are the benchmarks.
• Validity of Test Results : Ensure that your language test results are recent. Institutions typically require that these qualifications be less than 2 years old at the start of the program.
• Exemptions : If a candidate has previously earned a degree in a native English-speaking country, they may be exempted from taking English language tests.
• Pre-sessional English Programs : For those who narrowly miss the minimum entry requirement, many universities offer a Pre-sessional English program. Successfully completing this can pave the way for formal admission into the PhD programme as an alternative means of meeting the English language requirement.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Preliminary Studies and Assessments

Many universities introduce prospective PhD students to a preliminary phase of studies, which stands as a precursor to the main research journey. This phase often doesn’t account for the official registration duration but is essential for assessment. A notable example of such a program is the MRes Programme, offering candidates rigour training in various research methodologies; it’s an excellent bridge for those transitioning from postgraduate studies to a full-fledged research degree . Post preliminary studies, there’s typically an evaluation of the candidate’s academic ability, aptitude for research, and the feasibility of their proposed project. Only after this evaluation’s successful completion does the formal PhD period commence.

Furthermore, the value of these preliminary studies extends beyond mere assessment. They serve as an orientation, acquainting students with the research culture of the institution and fostering essential skills. Not only do these programs help in refining one’s research proposal, but they also offer the chance to build networks with potential supervisors and other researchers. This early immersion can be pivotal in shaping a productive and rewarding PhD experience.

Typical Routes and Professional Experience

In the world of academia, not all roads to a PhD are paved in conventional terms:

• Professional Experience : For those without a traditional academic trajectory, substantial professional experience in the chosen research area can significantly boost one’s application. Professional doctorate programmes often cater to such candidates.
• Research Proposal : Here, more than anywhere else, the research proposal becomes pivotal. It should demonstrate how your professional experience aligns with the proposed research area and how it equips you for the rigorous research project ahead.

Financial Considerations

While intellectual capabilities are undeniably crucial for doctoral admissions, financial considerations also hold significant importance:

• Tuition Fees : The tuition fee structure can vary significantly, especially between domestic and international student classifications. It’s crucial to understand these nuances and prepare accordingly.
• External Funding : Several external funding opportunities, ranging from scholarships to grants, are available. They can significantly alleviate the financial burden of a PhD degree.

Application Process and Final Thoughts

Successfully navigating the application process requires careful planning and a systematic approach:

• Online Application Form : This is often the first official step. Ensure that you furnish accurate details, from your academic qualifications to professional doctorate experiences (if applicable).
• Research Proposal Submission : As highlighted, this document often holds significant weight. It should lucidly outline your research project and its relevance to the broader academic community.
• Visa Requirements : For international students, the visa application is crucial. It often hinges on the offer of admission, proof of sufficient funds, and a clear criminal record.
• Personal Statement : A well-crafted personal statement can provide a personal touch, elucidating your motivation, journey, and aspirations regarding the PhD.

In the pursuit of a PhD, understanding and meeting the entry requirements is your first step. This guide hopefully clarifies these prerequisites, providing a strong foundation for prospective PhD students. Whether you’re fresh out of your undergraduate studies, have completed postgraduate research degrees, or are banking on extensive professional experience, the world of academia calls! Prepare carefully, reach out to potential supervisors, engage with the academic departments, and enjoy the process.

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided clarity and direction for prospective STEM PhD candidates. Remember, each journey is unique – and while guidelines and requirements are essential, passion, determination, and genuine curiosity will remain the main factors of successful PhD students. Best of luck in your academic pursuits!

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Degree classification

This page will explain the British Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree classification system. Although this system is peculiar to the UK it has been adopted (sometimes with minor variations) by many other commonwealth countries around the world.

The classification system is a grading code that is used to differentiate between the various attainments of degree holders. Degree classification is important as it is widely accepted by both employers and graduates as a measure of academic achievement. For instance on a practical level and in the real world it is common for many international corporations, blue chip companies and employers to only offer interviews to graduates who have attained a first or a 2:1 grade.

No matter what degree classification a graduate achieves, it is important to remember that they should always walk away from a course with a thorough understanding of the subjects they have studied.

THE MAIN BRITISH DEGREE CLASSIFICATIONS ARE

First-class Honours (70% and above) – also known as a First or 1st In a majority of universities this is the highest honours that can be attained with roughly only 10 % of students reaching this level. It is however only a small number of universities that award graduates a First-Class Honours with Distinction which is also sometimes known as a starred first. At Oxford it is called a ‘congratulatory first’.

To attain this high level of achievement a student must display constant excellence throughout their entire course. Although it is difficult to achieve, the future career rewards for those who do are significant. It goes without saying that it should be the goal of every undergraduate to achieve a First.

Double first This refers to first class honours in two separate subjects, for example, English and Physics.

Second-class Honours (50% – 70%) also known as a two one In the UK the vast majority of university students will achieve this grade, which itself is subdivided into;

Upper Second-Class Honours (60% to 70) – also known as a 2:1 (pronounced as two one) For some time now this has been the most common degree grade awarded in the UK. The majority of employers looking to recruit graduates will be looking for candidates to have this level of degree classification, therefore in a way it’s a benchmark.

Lower Second-Class Honours – (50% to 60%) also known as 2:2 (pronounced as two two) Although not as good or valued as a 2:1 it is still acceptable to many employers.

Third-class Honours (40% to 50%) – also known as a third In most modern universities this is the lowest classification. Nationally only about 20% of students achieve this.

Ordinary Degree (35% to 35.9%) – also known as a pass. This is considered to be a pass but without the honours. Although not as highly regarded as a ‘honours’  degree they are still worth having.

Honors degree Honours degrees are based on a undergraduates average mark throughout their course, although in some degrees the first year does not count towards a students final classification.

The class of an honours degree is based on the average mark of the assessed work that a student has completed. The letters ‘Hons’ may only be used by a candidate who has been awarded a degree with ‘honors’. For instance BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons).

General notes on UK degree classifications

• British university degrees can be awarded with or without ‘honours’.
• The degree classification although strict is not rigidly fixed and does allow for a small amount of flexibility. This means that if their average mark is near to the assessment requirements then the university officials can use their discretion and elevate a candidate into a higher class.
• In Scotland the honours are usually only awarded for degree courses that last longer than four years.

MORE UK DEGREE CLASSIFICATION AND ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced degree These qualifications are higher than a Bachelors degree and similar in value to a First, MA (Masters) or PhD (doctorate).

Aegrotat degree At the discretion of the university these can be awarded to candidates who have been unable to take their examinations or complete their degree due to illness. They are honours degrees but without classification and are handed out on the belief that the candidate would have passed if they had continued with their studies.

BA Stands for Bachelor of Arts and is derived from the Latin ‘artium baccalaureus’. A Bachelor of Arts is entitled to put B.A after their name or B.A (Hons) for a honours degree.

Bachelors degrees These are also sometimes known as an ordinary degree. Successful completion of a course can lead to qualification as a bachelor of medicine (MB), bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BSc).

Cantab This is a abbreviation for Cantabrigian and which translated means “of, or pertaining to Cambridge”. In academic circles it denotes that a degree is from Cambridge University.

Doctorate – PhD – Doctoral degree A terms that is derived from the Latin word ‘doctor’, and is also known as a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). In the UK it is the highest level of award that can be given to a student and is accepted around the world. It can be earned in almost any subject area and is normally awarded to postgraduates or scholars who have carried out extensive and original research into their particular subjects. A PhD can take between three to four years more on top of a Bachelors degree.

DPhil (abbreviated from Doctorate of Philosophy) Coming from the Latin ‘philosophiae doctor’ it is a highly regarded postgraduate qualification awarded by universities.  Although the word ‘philosophy’ is used in the degree title, the subject studied does not necessarily have to have any relation to philosophy at all. The work ‘philosophy is only used to to refer to its original Latin meaning.

International Baccalaureate  – (IB) This is a diploma programme that is aimed at students aged between 16 to 19, is internationally recognised and is also growing in popularity within the UK. It is available in a wide range of subjects and is at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework.

PhD A Doctor of Philosophy degree is the highest academic degree that a student can earn. To be accepted onto a PhD program students must show evidence of exceptional ability in their coursework, preparatory work and overall graduate studies. It is estimated that less than one per cent of the population earns the qualifications. Once awarded a PhD a person is entitled to use the title ‘Doctor’.

The two  main criteria for earning a PhD are:

• Mastering your chosen subject completely by exploring, investigating and thinking about everything you have read or studied.
• Through research and intellectual effort helping to expand the knowledge about the subject.

Students must demonstrate their mastery of their subject by writing a dissertation (also called a thesis) that shows convincing evidence of their capacity to pursue scholarly research in their chosen field of study. On top of this they will have to go through an oral examination on the thesis that they have submitted. Occasionally they may also be required to undertake other tests as the examiners may decide.

Postgraduate degrees These are qualifications for students who wish to continue their studies in a particular field or subject after they have attained a bachelors degree. The four main types of postgraduate qualifications are;

• postgraduate certificates
• postgraduate diplomas
• masters degrees

INTERNATIONAL DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

Associate of Arts  – (A.A) This is a US degree and is given out by colleges to students who have successfully completed a two year course.

UNIVERSITY TERMINOLOGY Below is a list of academic terms that are commonly used in universities or other higher education institutions.

Admissions Cycle This refers to a universities admissions procedure that typically starts in September of each year and lasts for one year. After this period another one starts.

Application Number When a candidate completes a UCAS application form they are given a unique reference number. It will be included on any official correspondence you receive from them.

Clearing If by the end of the admissions cycle you have not secured a place at your preferred university then you may use the ‘clearing’ process to try to gain entry to a university that still has places open.

Conditional Offer This means your application to a university has been accepted on condition that you meet certain criteria, usually certain grades or Tariff points etc.

Course Code Each degree or higher education course in the UK will have its very own unique Course Code as a reference i.e. M100. The letter and every number represents a course or category.

Deferred Entry As the name suggests this means being accepted onto a degree course and having your enrolment date in the future, usually after one year.

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